US, Nigeria Launch Joint Working Group To Tackle Religious Freedom, Security Concerns
In a move signalling renewed diplomatic urgency over Nigeria’s worsening security and religious freedom challenges, the United States and Nigeria have formally launched a high-level joint mechanism aimed at curbing violence and protecting vulnerable communities.
The two countries on Thursday held the first session of the U.S.-Nigeria Joint Working Group in Abuja, established following Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern under the U.S. International Religious Freedom Act.
The meeting, led by Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and U.S. Under Secretary of State, Allison Hooker, brought together officials from 18 ministries and federal agencies from both sides.
Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation to reduce violence, particularly against vulnerable Christian communities, while promoting an environment where all Nigerians can practise their faith freely without fear of attacks from terrorists, bandits, separatists and other criminal groups.
Both governments reaffirmed their commitment to religious freedom, protection of civilians and accountability for perpetrators of violence.
The U.S. delegation welcomed Nigeria’s recent realignment of resources to tackle insecurity, especially in the North Central region.
The talks also explored deeper collaboration on counter-terrorism, including intelligence sharing, access to technology, anti-money laundering efforts, and countering the financing of terrorism.
It was agreed that the next session of the Working Group will be held in the United States at a mutually agreed date.
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